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A02-243 TITLE: Computational Nano-Science and Technology TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Abrams Tank OBJECTIVE: The research is aimed at developing the mathematical modeling and efficient computational tools and procedures for analyzing of epitaxial (i.e., thin films on substrates) film growth. DESCRIPTIONS: Nanotechnology arises from the exploitation of new properties, phenomena, processes, and functionalities that matter exhibits at intermediate sizes between isolated atoms or molecules (~ 1nm) and bulk materials (over 100 nm). New properties and functionalities that can be achieved through nanoscale materials control are: (1) nanoscale layered materials that can yield a four-fold increase in the performance of permanent magnets; (2) addition of aluminum-oxide nano-particles that converts aluminum metal into a material with wear resistance equal to that of the best bearing steel; (3) new optical properties achieved by fabricating photonic band gap superlattices to guide and switch optical signals with nearly 100% transmission, in very compact architectures; (4) layered quantum well structures to produce highly efficient, low-power light sources and photovoltaic cells; (5) novel optical properties of semiconducting nanocrystals that are used to label and track molecular processes in living cells; (6) novel chemical properties of nanocrystals that show promise as photocatalysts to speed the breakdown of toxic wastes; (7) meso-porous inorganic hosts with self-assembled organic monolayers that are used to trap and remove heavy metals from the environment; and (8) meso-porous structures integrated with micro-machined components that are used to produce high-sensitivity and highly selective chip-based detectors of chemical warfare agents. A key challenge in nanoscience is to understand how deliberate tailoring of materials on the nanoscale can lead to novel and enhanced functionalities. Nanocrystals and layered structures offer unique opportunities for tailoring the optical, magnetic, electronic, mechanical and chemical properties of materials. Polycrystalline thin films have recently received interest due to their increasing application in advanced technologies. Thin film technologies are widely used in the production of information storage materials, surface coatings (hard/soft/protective), optical coatings, multilayer systems, and active and passive layers of various microelectronic devices. Thin films serve as protective coatings such as anti-corrosion coatings applied onto metallic parts. Magnetic films are used as the storage medium in computer disks. Conductor, insulator, and semiconductor films are used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. Continuing demands for increasing permanent storage memory in computers and processing speed have stimulated research into thin bonded films. [1] In all applications, thin film thicknesses are on the order of nanometers or micrometers, and they are bonded comparatively to thick substrates. Substrate thicknesses are on the order of millimeters or even centimeters. In the nanometer scale of thin films, the standard continuum assumptions are not valid and hence a quasicontinuum approach has to be considered. In the quasicontinuum approach, due consideration is given to the varying length scales, with a smooth transition from atomistic modeling to continuum modeling, both in terms of the theory and the numerical implementation. The key to modeling thin films lies in understanding the connections between processing, microstructure, and material deformation. Films are typically deposited at elevated temperatures, and therefore, it is expected that these films are under a state of residual stresses at operating temperatures. These residual stresses thus have a thermal origin. Film cracking and debonding are important issues to be addressd, if the film has to be reliable and perform its intended functions for a reasonable length of time. [2-8] The research should aim to include many of the phenomena that play an important role in the mechanics of thin films used in a variety of structures. The results of this research should benefit the thin film technology in designing more reliable thin film-substrate systems than currently available. Graded thin film structures should be studied and their effectiveness should be compared with non-graded films. The Army will benefit from such studies, in order to better design protective coatings and other functional coatings. PHASE I: Task-1: Develop theoretical formulation of epitaxial film growth, taking into account: (a) hillock formation (protruding grains), (b) grain collapse, where mass of the grains is transported away from the surface, and (c) the effect of misfit. Task-2: Study of the debonding mechanism, with recourse to interfacial debonding theory that has been reasonably well developed in the literature. Task-3: Develop computational models of the theoretical formulation in Tasks 1 and 2. PHASE II: Task-1: Implementation of the mathematical and computational technologies developed in Phase I into a computer program. The software developed should be user-friendly, have compatibility to commercially available finite element software, and be able to couple to existing software. The need for an advanced robust and efficient computational tool for the study of epitaxial systems exists in both the commercial, military and aerospace sectors. Task-2: Study the mechanics of graded coatings. Task-3: Perform numerical simulations for different film-substrate pairs and study parametric effects of geometry, material properties, thermomechanical loading, and material grading (e.g., functionally graded material structures and structures with thin film coatings) on the (adhesive) strength and fracture characteristics of thin films. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The need for an advanced robust and efficient computational tool for the study of epitaxial systems exists in both the commercial, military and aerospace sectors. The software developed in Phase II should have compatibility to apply to commercial structural analysis code and to couple with existing analysis tools, such as commercial finite element, codes, and should be used to design and manufacture thin film coatings for military as well as commercial applications, for example, gas turbine blades with thin film coatings for thermal protection, and armor plates for signature reductions. The results of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of epitaxial films used in a variety of structures. REFERENCES: 1) Barna, B. Peter and Adamik Miklos, "Growth Mechanisms of Polycrystalline Thin Films'', Science and Technology of Thin Films, Matacotta, F. C. and Ottaviani, G. (eds.), World Scientific, New York, pp 1-28, 1995. 2) von Kanel H., Onda, N., and Miglio, L, "Heteroepitaxy'', Science and Technology of Thin Films, Matacotta, F. C. and Ottaviani, G. (eds.), World Scientific, New York, pp 29-57, 1995. 3) Beuth, J. L. and Klingbeil, N. W., "Cracking of Thin Films Bonded to Elastic-Plastic Substrates'', Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol. 44, No. 9, pp 1411-1428, 1996. 4) Wei, Y. and Hutchinson, J. W., "Nonlinear Delamination Mechanics For Thin Films'', Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol. 45, No. 7, pp 1137-1159, 1997. 6) Hu, Jinfu, and Leo, P. H., "Defect Structures at Thin-Film Substrate Interfaces'', Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol. 45, No. 5, pp 637-665, 1997. 7) Hutchinson, J. W., and Suo, Z. "Mixed Mode Cracking in Layered materials'', Advances in Applied Mechanics, Hutchinson, J. W. and Wu, T. W. (eds.), Vol. 29, pp 63-191, Academic Press, San Diego, 1992. 8) Nix, W. D., "Mechanical Properties of Thin Films'', Metallurgical Transactions, Vol. A 20, pp 2217-2245, 1989. KEYWORDS: Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Nano-scale, Nanocrystals, Epitaxial A02-244 TITLE: Virtual System Integration Lab (VSIL) – A Flexible System Integration Tool for Virtual Prototyping & Simulation TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Future Scout & Calvary System (FSCS) OBJECTIVE: To develop a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) based interactive software tool in conjunction with one or more workstations, and having the provision of (if necessary) using actual hardware components of a system, thus creating a Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) environment if necessary, enabling the integration of a complex real life engineering system on the computer workstation(s). The Virtual System Integration Lab or VSIL system will have "lego-like" soft building blocks or “objects” which can be dragged from a toolkit (or build-object library) and a complex system can be easily assembled and simulated. The initial focus of this work will be on the development of "soft" (virtual) modules which can precisely mimic the electrical system hardware (e.g., the electrical power system architecture containing the wiring harness, actuator motors/solenoids, and sensors) and the software of a vehicular platform. The various components of the system (i.e., the wiring harness, actuator motors/solenoids, sensors) will be created as "soft" modules -- the basic lego-like building blocks. These components can be the "model" of the hardware and/or the "model" of the software from the "functionality" point of view. In other words, if an actual software consists of some code in say, C language, it is only the end I/O functionality of the software which will be captured in high level, in this work. The goal will be to use these "virtual components" and create the complete electrical system for the vehicle, and study its behaviour. Later on, the scope of the work will be extended to other sub-systems beyond the electrical system, thus leading the way to a complete "virtual vehicle build". Once this is accomplished, ultimately all these modules will be placed on a server, so that they can be accessed with appropriate internet web interface, so that engineers can use it from their remote stations and interactively work on them as well. There will be a provision allowing users to add to the library of modules with appropriate input/output definitions, and they will be able to enrich the module library as needed. The library will also allow open-source access so that one can modify the individual module models to fit their own needs. DESCRIPTION: A new system implemented in combat vehicles or any other system for that matter, goes through several phases, namely design, proof of concept, through simulation where possible, validation of the design, and finally the implementation. This is true in non-combat systems as well. During the proof of concept and validation phases, sometimes a hardware prototype is built and assembled in a real lab. This can be costly, because the hardware has to be purchased and external suppliers or in-house personnel have to be engaged, depending on the situation. Furthermore, whether the prototyping experiment is successful or not, the prototyping cost cannot be recovered. In addition, it can be difficult and expensive to make design changes in a hardware prototype to compare alternative designs or to rectify any design flaws discovered later. To address the above issues, it is proposed that a Virtual System Integation Lab or VSIL be developed. The VSIL is a software residing in one or more computers or workstations, which can be interfaced from remote places, if necessary, through the internet web. VSIL will consist of appropriate graphical user interface or GUI’s and will have “elementary objects” which are either “discrete-event models” or “dynamic system models” of various components of the system or sub-system being studied. The objects can be considered to be computer based “lego-like” system building blocks. The objects will reside in various toolkits, and can be easily dragged by mouse and then connected together to assemble the complete system. The connection will also be graphical. The library of objects can be customized and enhanced as needed. Once the complete system is built, it can then be simulated to study the overall system behavior and functionality. Design changes can be easily made on this VSIL and thus this soft tool will lead to extensive cost savings and can be actually used as a universal commercial tool as well, since its scope is not limited to only military applications. The tool will be ultimately integrated into an internet based web environment, so that several people can interactively work on the same design from geographically different places (which can be far) leading to better collaboration and leading to easier and early implementation. As indicated in the objective section above, the initial focus of this work will be on the development of "soft" (virtual) modules which can precisely mimic the electrical system (e.g., the electrical power system architecture containing the wiring harness, actuators, sensors) of a vehicular platform. In addition, there will be the provision of, (if necessary) using actual hardware components of a system, thus creating a Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) environment if necessary. The various components of the system (i.e., the wiring harness, actuator motors/solenoids, sensors) will be created as soft modules -- the basic lego-like building blocks. These components, as indicated earlier, can be the "models" of the hardware and/or the "models" of the software, from the functionality point of view. In other words, if an actual software consists of some code in say, C language, it is only the end I/O functionality of the software which will be captured in high level, in this work. The goal will be to use these "soft-components" and create the complete electrical system for the vehicle and study its behaviour. Later on the scope of the work will be extended to other subsystems beyond the electrical system, thus leading the way to a complete "virtual vehicle build". There will be provision that users can add to the library of modules with appropriate input/output definitions and will be able to enrich the module library as needed. The library will also allow open-source access so that one can modify the individual module models to fit their own needs PHASE I: This phase will initially choose a particular subsystem of the vehicle, in our case the electrical power system of the LAV (Light Armored Vehicle), as an illustrative example. It will define the complete list of components (loads, actuators, sensors, wiring harness), various software components used to drive these loads, their specifications, and their functionality from a system I/O (input/output) perspective. It will then define the software specification and design phases involved to mimic each of the components (including the "model" of their hardware components and the "model" of the software components) itemized above. This phase will then define the preliminary system design using those components, document the same and propose the outline of the methodology for the next phase of the work. PHASE II: Develop the software representing the "model" of the actual hardware components and the"model" of the actual software components corresponding to the electrical sub-system, whose specification has been defined in Phase I above. Test the software, for each of the "soft modules" and also test all the interfaces of the VSIL environment. Once the testing of this has been completed, it should then be made adaptible for internet web usage. The open-source modules will then be placed on the web, and with a limited number of pilot users, additions to the module library will be made to verify the functionality and feasibility under arbitrary additions to these library of modules. Once this is completed, alternative design strategies for the electrical susb-system will be conceived, and using the "soft-components", a limited number of complete alternative designs for the electrical system indicated earlier will be done. The system will be studied to see if it works satisfactorily. This will complete both the verification of the simulation and also demonstrate the usefulness of the tool for actual design. A complete documentation of the work in this phase will be made which can be transitioned to the next phase for dual usage applications. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Currently there exists generic tools in the market which are basically standard CAE software packages. But these do not offer the advantage of catering to the alternative system design easily, using "soft" modular lego-like components, so that a complete engineering system or sub-system can be easily "assembled", virtually "built", and virtually "run" by any ordinary user. Making a web enabled VSIL, where people can use the existing modules and also modify the "modules" easily to fit their own needs, will lead to a very useful practical design tool for engineers. The 2nd POC, during his long association with the automotive industry, has found that generic CAE tools which are available in the market do not easily lend themselves to quick "assembly" and "run" of a new system with the intent of trying alternative designs. The tool developed in this work, is of high commercial value in automotive, aerospace, defense, and many other engineering industries. In particular, informally, Think Division of Ford Motor Co. has emphasised the great merit and usefulness of such tools. Collaborative efforts will be pursued with these industries to further enhance the product and commercialize it. Although the initial product in the Phase II is geared towards the electrical system of a vehicle, later on, by simple extension of the module library, the scope of the work can be extended to any system for that matter. Upon commercializtion, there is basically no end to expand the existing library and add to it, and thus the tool will be extremely versatile in a day to day "virtual" engineering system build, trying alternative designs and optimize, and run the same. In addition, the tool is extremely flexible in the sense that the users can use part of the tool for certain subsystems and use actual hardware for the remaining parts, thus users who prefer to do HITL (Hardware-In-The-Loop) experiments are easily able to do so. REFERENCES: 1) Bhandari, A., “Access to Instructional Control Laboratory Experiment through the World Wide Web”, Proc. of the 17th American Contro Conference, pp. 1319-28, 1998. 2) Fishwick, P., “Web-Based SimulationL Some Personal Observations”, Winter Simulation Conference, Coronado, CA, pp. 772-6, 1996. 3) Schmid, C., "A Remote Laboratory Using Virtual Reality on the Web", Simulation, v 73:1, 1999, pp. 13-21. KEYWORDS: Virtual prototyping; internet based design; web based design; virtual reality; CAE (Computer Aided Engineering); shared applications; interactive design tools; system engineering; simulation and modeling. A02-245 TITLE: Ultra High Efficiency Blower System for Engine and Vehicle Applications TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Medium Tactical Vehicles OBJECTIVE: The objective of this effort is to study, design, develop, improve and evaluate air handling system components (not including filtration systems and filter elements) which will lead to availability of ultra high efficiency, quiet and cost efficient air handling systems for military and commercial applications. These improved systems will provide the operator with a higher degree of comfort and reduced level of fatigue. Also will preserve expensive hardware while operating in extreme climate conditions. DESCRIPTION: A study will be conducted to determine areas where improvements are most needed. New technology in air handling systems, fans and blower systems will be studied to determine availability of suitable off-the-shelf systems and components. Also studies will be conducted to make design improvements to existing fan/blower wheel configurations and their interfaces with current air to air and fluid to air heat exchangers within the weapon system (truck Cabs, tactical vehicles, command centers etc.). Innovative air cooling solutions will be studied for their applicability to areas that suffer from high heat production and slow heat rejection such as brakes on heavy transporters, and in the case of hybrid Electric systems, for electric motors or battery compartments. These improvements will ultimately result in cost savings, operator comfort, increased performance and reduced system maintenance.
In the Phase I, the contractor will become knowledgeable of air handling systems on current and proposed future systems, and through conducting studies and field surveys will determine areas in need of improvements. The contractor will conduct studies to determine solutions for the current air handling and cooling problems and prepare concept designs and propose changes to address the problem/s. The contractor at all times shall consider military environments and performance requirements set forth by the Army. The contractor will establish preliminary design, performance and sizing of new high efficiency air handling systems for selected military vehicles. Preliminary performance analysis, theoretical calculations and initial computer based evaluations will verify compatibility and commonality with current and future vehicle energy management requirements. At the conclusion of the Phase I the proof of concept must be demonstrated and enough evidence presented to verify that the new air handling system design proposal accomplishes its goals of: (1) improved efficiency in terms of heat energy removal, reduced power consumption and reduced noise level and (2) operation and support cost (OSCR) savings. PHASE II: In Phase II, the contractor will produce a working prototype of the ultra high efficiency air handling system concept design. This prototype will be bench tested in laboratory conditions to verify performance against the theoretical calculations conducted and performance levels predicted in the Phase I. A prototype unit will be installed on a recipient vehicle system and further instrumented and tested to verify performance level in real life conditions. The contractor will reengineer where necessary, to meet all performance objectives. This prototype shall clearly demonstrate increased performance capability and efficiency of air handling system.
Success of the program described above will be applicable to the commercial market in similar vehicle systems. Without exception all new designs seek to produce bottom line savings and man-machine interface and performance improvements. In this case the necessary system energy management, ventilation and climate control as well as many other areas where heat needs to be removed or added is similar in many military and commercial vehicles. Therefore there is great potential for dual use application of a ultra high efficiency air handling system. KEYWORDS: Air Pumps, Fans, Blowers, Thermal Systems, Heat Exchangers, A02-246 TITLE: Military and Commercial Vehicle Applications fo High Power LED Technology TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Light Tactical Vehicles OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop low cost, high power secure signaling lamps for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) which can be used for covert Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. These LEDs can operate at higher intensities (meaning we need larger arrays) and communicate at farther ranges. Currently, large arrays of LEDs lose their thermal signature after a short distance, negating the ability to communicate over any useful distance. This problem is acerbated in hot weather climates where the thermal signature is not distinguishable beyond a few feet. The reason this is important to the Army is because they can easily, cheaply and effectively identify friendly vehicles using this technology from a distance, basically lowering the likelihood of losses due to friendly fire. As evidenced during the Gulf War, in the heat of battle current identification methods are not effective and resulted in more deaths from friendly fire than from enemy fire. These inexpensive LEDs could be developed to basically "talk" to each other, perhaps even being used in the future to form a non-detectable signal. Communication technology must have the ability to maintain luminous output in all types of weather conditions and under all types of shock conditions. These thermal signatures are unique to military vehicles, which obscure the light emitted by current LEDs. This same technology must also be utilized in the development of a low cost anti-collision system for commercial vehicles. DESCRIPTION: LED technology is just now starting to make inroads into the trucking industry where they are at the beginning stages of being used for signaling lights. But the possibilities for LED use in both the commercial and military sectors are tremendous. These possibilities range from the obvious usage of LEDs for signaling lights, brake lights and any monochromatic lighting application to night vision enhancement, convoy communication, and covert IFF systems. The problem with the current LED technology is that what is currently commercially available has not taken into account the requirement for an "aggressive thermal management" system for LED arrays. Large arrays of high output LEDs are particularly vulnerable to degradation, as it becomes particularly difficult to shed heat from dense arrays, causing a loss of communication between vehicles over a significant distance. Without aggressive cooling means, large LED arrays have degraded rapidly in hot climates. PHASE I: Develop a preliminary design for a robust LED signaling light with the ability to be thermally managed at high temperatures which can be pulsed at very high intensities allowing very long distance secure communications links. PHASE II: Take this preliminary design and demonstrate it on actual vehicles in extreme weather conditions. These experiments will demonstrate the ability of the preliminary design from Phase I to operate as a prototype for secure convoy communications and an anti-collision system for both commercial and military vehicles. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system will be viable for both military and commercial use. All of our ground-based vehicles will be able to put this to immediate use. While there may be some other LED lights being sold in the commercial market for trucks, at this time this system is significantly different. Its patented process allows for it to be virtually shock and temperature resistant. A successful Phase II should show that its patented process of allowing the lights to "talk" to one another would have enormous ramifications for both military and commercial use. The combination of its ability to use a patented infrared technology and the secure method for talking to each other gives it usage for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). Commercially, it can be used for all types of vehicles. This technology will be used as a low cost automotive anti-collision system. The "talking lights" can be put on automobiles and trucks to let drivers know if they are to close to the vehicle in front of them. KEYWORDS: LED, IFF, secure communications, thermal management Directory: osbp -> SBIR -> solicitations solicitations -> Army sbir 09. 1 Proposal submission instructions dod small Business Innovation (sbir) Program solicitations -> Navy sbir fy09. 1 Proposal submission instructions solicitations -> Army 16. 3 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Air force 12. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Army 14. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Navy small business innovation research program submitting Proposals on Navy Topics solicitations -> Navy small business innovation research program solicitations -> Armament research, development and engineering center solicitations -> Army 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions solicitations -> Navy 11. 3 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions Download 1.78 Mb. 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